The EU is planning to hike taxes on tobacco products, and the tobacco industry in Germany is already sounding the alarm! A pack of branded cigarettes could jump by up to 12 euros, a staggering 41% increase! And a pouch of 30 grams of fine-cut tobacco? It could soar from 10 to 18 euros, an 80% hike! This comes as the European Commission proposes raising the minimum tax rate on 1,000 cigarettes to 90 euros, an 88% increase. But wait, there’s more – a kilogram of fine-cut tobacco could see a tax hike of 60 euros, a whopping 92% jump!
The industry warns this could trigger an explosion of the black market, as smokers seek cheaper alternatives. Germany’s tobacco sector calls the proposal completely disproportionate, fearing it will only fuel illegal trade. On the flip side, health experts in Germany welcome the move as the most effective way to curb smoking.
The European Commission also plans to apply purchasing power parity, meaning prices in wealthier countries like Germany could rise even higher. But is this really a solution or a recipe for black market chaos? The proposal still needs approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, so the drama is far from over.
As smokers brace for sticker shock, critics warn that young people might find it easier to access tobacco products through illegal channels. So, is this measure a health savior or a disaster in disguise? Feel free to drop your thoughts below if you think this is a genius move or a total fail!
